We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again. Inflatable tubes arguably provide the best value when it comes to tow-behind-the-boat watersports. They accommodate a wide variety of ages and skill levels, have the most minimal of learning curves, and for some reason, always seem to generate the most squeals and laughter from both the young and young at heart.

And seemingly every year, they get better, faster and wilder than the last. Sure, some designs have gotten pretty outlandish and show better on a website than function in the water. That’s why we test these things every year, to find the tubes that not only look cool, but also perform—and maybe to just sneak in a fun-filled day with friends and ­family on the water, just like you.

This year’s crop contains entries from heavyweights Connelly, HO, O’Brien, Radar and WOW. We put them to the test behind an Anthem Karma 23 and let ’em rip. Let’s see which ones are ready to pump up your summer.

Jump to:

• Connelly Big Easy 3
• HO Sports NOVA 3
• O’Brien Pillar 4
• Radar Chase 3
• WOW Sub-Zilla 3

Connelly Big Easy 3 ($399.99)

There’s no more aptly named inflatable in this year’s roundup than Connelly’s Big Easy. For starters, it is indeed big, measuring about 6 feet, 8 inches by 7 feet, 8 inches before inflation. As to the easy, count the ways. Its profile is that of a zero-gravity chair on steroids, offering up arguably the most laid-back seating we’ve seen to date on a towable. Rather than brief comfort patches atop a nylon cover, nearly the entire top surface is covered with soft-touch neoprene. And then there’s the sheer thickness of the tube below butt and legs. This thing is plump. Load three riders aboard, and they just might doze off before the towline grows taut. 

The wake-up call will soon come. The Big Easy skidded nicely outside the wakes, giving passengers a spirited ride once the tow boat initiated a few S-turns. Up to a trio of riders can recline side by side, each with a pair of padded grab handles within reach. That curvy pillow-top style on the tube’s outer edges, however, occasionally left outside passengers slip-sliding away. During more ­aggressive skids, we lost more passengers on the Big Easy than any other tube. The ride was also the wettest of the five tubes. 

Because the Big Easy is essentially one large PVC bladder, the entire tube inflates quickly and easily via a single Boston valve. The simpler shape also keeps the bladder and cover pretty well aligned, avoiding the adjustments common on more complicated shapes. Added bonus? When riders get tired of the laid-back profile, a nylon web strap behind the backrest adds an additional tow point, allowing the Big Easy to become a big chariot. connellyskis.com

HO Sports NOVA 3 ($475)

HO Sports’ Nova featured one of the most notable shapes in this year’s roundup. It’s like a rounded-off ­triangle, with a tow point at the forward tip and a cushy backrest wrapping its curved backside. The Nova’s most distinctive feature, however, is found atop the deck. Two stubby inflated pillars rise from the tube’s center. They serve to separate up to three riders, providing added security to keep riders’ legs in place, and anchoring a pair of vertically arrayed grab handles each. The result is a tube that might tangle the tallest riders’ toes, but one that is surprisingly spacious for up to a trio of passengers. 

With an easy-skidding style, the Nova 3 quickly proved to be one of our testers’ overall favorites. The almighty S-turn was once again all that was needed to get the Nova skidding back and forth across the wakes. With the roominess topside, outside passengers never feared that they’d tumble over the edge, but instead remained locked in. The only shortcoming may have been that those stubby pillars flex, meaning their handholds have a fair amount of give when the skids gain speed. Their narrow distance apart also means you’ll ideally want a smaller rider in the center position when riding as a trio.

Both the base and backrest of the Nova inflate via Boston valves. Find a one-way inflation inlet below the top cap; unscrew the entire valve body from its threaded outlet for deflation. Vertical columns use pool-style inflation valves. Neoprene knuckle guards are found below padded handles on the base of the tube, but no such guards exist below vertical column handles. Likewise, no added material is sewn into seating areas, leaving the top surface a little more slippery than most. hosports.com

O’Brien Pillar 4 ($489.99)

As the name implies, O’Brien’s Pillar 4 pairs a round 8-foot-diameter base with a tall, vertical center column supported by four legs. The design effectively creates four distinct riding areas. The setup—along with a multitude of grab handles on the pillar supports, sides and top—allows riders to be creative, facing inward toward the pillar or outward using it as a backrest while sitting, kneeling or even standing. 

The arrangement, along with the tube’s ­easy-to-skid manners across the wakes, resulted in the Pillar being the overall favorite of the day. The most fun was had when the two front riders sat and two aft riders kneeled, all facing forward, but it was easy to mix things up. Facing inward or backward added a level of unpredictability, but in almost all configurations, the Pillar proved stable and more than capable of keeping everyone on board underway.

As we’ve noted in previous years, O’Brien tubes are far and away the easiest to both fill and deflate. Credit O’Brien’s proprietary Lightning Valves, ­located in both the base and vertical top section. Their larger-than-average opening and simple flap closure allow a sizable volume of air to quickly flow into the tube, whether using a dedicated inflator or Shop-Vac. Pull the flap upward to deflate, and that same air rushes out even faster. The heavy-duty nylon cover is well-fitted, keeping internal PVC bladders in place for minimal fuss. EVA seat pads add durability to high-wear areas, but they were a little rough on a few riders’ knees. Those 16 padded grab handles, however, were placed right where riders needed them, and our crew never felt crowded underway. obrien.com

Radar Chase 3 ($429.99)

At first glance, the three-passenger Chase 3 looks like a comfy couch, with a cushy backrest, inflated armrests and room to stretch your legs. Spin it around to use the secondary tow point, and the Chase adds a chariot-style personality to the mix, allowing riders to kneel behind that one-time backrest and get their gladiator on. A stitched-into-the-cover GoPro mount is ready to capture that first-person point of view when action gets aggressive. When kicking back, a pair of cup holders is ready to hold a cool drink and turn this radical ride into a leisure cruise—or off-the-towrope float. 

Radar’s trademark Spoon-O-Vation design ­reduces drag by giving the bottom a convex shape, a choice that made the Chase 3 one of our testers’ favorites for whipping back and forth across the wake. Riders praised the thrills, while noting that the Chase 3 remained quite smooth and stable. Only the seating room received mildly mixed reviews. Riders loved the locked-in feel provided by the individual armrests arrayed port to starboard, but noted that things could feel a tad tight for older teens and adults. Small perimeter bolsters at the tube’s leading edge also dictated that taller riders take the middle position.

Like all five tubes, the Chase 3 paired a heavy-duty PVC internal bladder with an equally robust nylon cover. In a sea of in-your-face colors and graphics, this cover’s teal/navy combo gave off an almost laid-back vibe. The base, along with ­backrest/armrests, inflate via two-part Boston valves. Small, leading-edge bolsters topside are pool-float-style. Be quick when capping to prevent losing air. radarskis.com 

Read Next: Top Tow Tubes Features

WOW Sub-Zilla 3 ($249.99)

A modern twist on the old-school “hot dog,” WOW’s Sub-Zilla 3 is a cylindrical 8-foot-long rocket that lines up to three riders saddle-style atop its surface. Sizable sponsons flank the main tube body to add side-to-side stability as well as act as a knee rest for passengers. The pontoonlike trio glides smoothly through calm conditions, but it also knifes through rougher waters. However, the shape doesn’t lend itself to higher-speed skids outside the wake, so those choppy conditions can be half the fun, offering up a bouncy bronco as the tubes glide across the water. 

Though the Sub-Zilla features three individual seat positions and a weight capacity of 510 pounds, it’s likely best-suited to—and enjoyed by—younger riders. Our late-teen testers found it a little on the tame side, tracking directly behind the boat and resisting outside-the-wake skids. They also felt a little unstable atop the tube due to their higher centers of gravity. The short distance between seat height and leg rest also resulted in a slightly cramped position. Younger riders will likely fit the tube much better and thrill at the tube’s sensation of straight-ahead speed.

Three individual bladders are housed within the Sub-Zilla’s heavy-duty nylon cover, each filled via a quick-inflate valve—a two-part design that makes for easy filling but unplugs from a larger opening for faster deflation. Because all pieces are connected, there’s also less worry of lost parts. EVA-foam body pads protect the nylon cover from wear while offering a more comfortable saddle surface for riders up top. Padded grab handles, each with neoprene knuckle guards, are positioned directly in front of each rider for maximum grip. wowwatersports.com

Towable Tips

Drainage Issues: Water often finds its way in between the cover and bladder, making tubes heavier to lift onto the dock or boat and prolonging drying time. Look for mesh drains on tube bottoms, typically covered with sewn-in flaps that direct water toward the back end of the tube. Tilt the tube accordingly, and trapped water quickly drains away. 

Pump Up the Volume: Electric inflators are a must for blowing up today’s larger tubes. While 12-volt inflators are great to have aboard to quickly top off pressure, high-pressure inflators that work off household receptacles are far superior. They’ll pump tubes to capacity in a much shorter time, as well as suck them flat when it’s time to pack up. Make sure your inflator comes with the adapters you’ll need for your tube’s various fill valves.

Get Zippy With It: Tube fans often struggle trying to get deflated internal bladders to line up properly with recently folded covers, especially if the tube is right out of the box. Tip? Partially inflate, then reposition the bladders to line up the -inflation valves with cover access points. If things are really wonky, look for hidden zippers. Typically located below a flap, zippered openings provide better access to the internal bladder, allowing users to shift it into position with ease.

Towrope Tips: Most modern tubes use a plastic or metal quick-connect tow point, featuring a center hole and winged outside edges to make it easy to connect and disconnect the towline. Always thread the loop of the towrope up through the bottom of the tow point before wrapping the loop over the wings. This will ensure that the rope is pulling the front of the tube slightly upward, making it easier to plane. And never use a ski or wakeboard line. Inflatable-specific towropes are thicker and designed to handle the added force that a multiperson inflatable can put on a towline.

Anthem Karma 23

One of the most innovative, coolest-looking watersports boats on the market, the Anthem Karma 23 is constructed entirely of welded military-grade aluminum that is corrosion-resistant for saltwater use. The V-drive boat offers engine options from 400 to 600 hp and has a 3,600-gallon ballast capacity. It has a bow gate for beaching and easy reentry that gives it a landing craft’s ­functionality. With a 102-gallon fuel capacity, you can tow all day.

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One is the loneliest number.

Well, unless you’re skipping across the wakes solo on an inflatable tow toy, then let’s face it: One might be lonely, but it’s still pretty darn fun. But as any kid who has ever invited a friend along for the ride knows, two can be double the fun. And three? Judging by the teen trio riding a collection of tubes in this year’s annual inflatable roundup, the equation turns exponential. That’s probably the reason inflatable manufacturers keep producing bigger and bolder rides. In terms of rider capacity, fun factor is far from finite.

To prove it, we assembled a quiver of truly unique three-passenger inflatables from brands HO, Radar, O’Brien and WOW. One offered arguably the best bang for the buck, one was laid-back until it wasn’t, one was some kind of rocking inflatable cage match, and one was, well, a magical unicorn. Behind an equally unique tow vehicle—Sea-Doo’s new Switch pontoon—all provided near-endless fun in our idyllic yet rough tropical setting. They all proved durable and well-made, with heavy-duty PVC air bladders protected by durable nylon covers that easily handled the occasional scrape across the beach or bump into the boat without any fear of a rip or puncture.

While we pushed each tube to its passenger capacity, all offered great fun with just one or two riders. Three might be a triple threat, but our test crew will attest that things can get tight at times for full-grown teens and adults. A rider on the outside of a tube flew off and into the water more than once.

But hey, it’s tubing. That’s all part of the fun.

HO Sports Unicorn

HO bills the Unicorn as having a “kid-friendly animal design,” and the description is right on target. The Unicorn quickly caught the attention of some youngsters set up near our photo shoot, as well as adults who just couldn’t help but laugh at the idea of riding a brightly colored unicorn across the water.

That unicorn’s head and tail add another dimension to what otherwise would essentially be a 64-by-75-inch D-shaped, deck-style tube. Namely, while outer passengers will assume the typical prone position, a central passenger can sit upright using the inflated tail as a supportive backrest, grabbing the reins—a pair of padded handles astride the head—to keep atop the little critter while underway. Like any deck-style tube, the Unicorn can trot happily in the wake during straight passes, but crank an S-turn (or three) and it can’t help but gallop outside the wake with ease.

The main deck fills via a Boston-style valve. The head, tail, and a pair of wedge-shaped bolsters designed to keep riders’ legs from slipping off fill separately via traditional pool-float valves. A pair of padded grab handles with EVA knuckle guards are placed in front of each prone passenger. But while the Unicorn’s added side bolsters work when riding in relatively calm conditions, the outside rider occasionally didn’t find them enough to keep from being bucked off once the Unicorn really starts sliding. Clearly, the magical Unicorn has got some spunk.

Price: $429.99

Radar Orion 3

If you’re looking for the best bang for the buck, a strong argument could be made for a basic, deck-style inflatable like Radar’s Orion 3. An oversize version of Radar’s popular two-passenger model built to satisfy consumer demand, it doesn’t offer a cushy backrest, cute animal character, or any real bells and whistles. The Orion is just a classic 75-inch round inflatable with room for up to three riders lying side by side in a prone position and six padded grab handles arrayed across its front. Radar’s Marshmallow Soft Top, a comfy neoprene material, covers the upper side of the tube and all but eliminates riders’ elbows and knees chafing against the surface when bouncing along behind the boat. The convex shape of the aptly named Spoon-O-Vation bottom reduces drag. It also allows the tube to have a clean connection with the wake, grab air in the right conditions, and carry a lot of speed out into the flats.

While the Orion is certainly capable of a relaxing ride, the listed features mean this inflatable practically begs to slingshot (responsibly) across the wakes. It’s one of the best sliders in the bunch and can be subtly influenced with body language. The only real downside is that the completely bolster-free deck surface offers little to keep the outside passenger in place when the Radar accelerates outside the wake. 

With its single bladder, the Orion 3 was the simplest and quickest tube to fill, a bonus if you’re attempting to inflate it  on board the boat or at the launch ramp. It’s two-piece Boston valve is simple to use, but don’t lose it.

Price: $229.99 Buy it Now

WOW Joker

This year’s entry from WOW was surprisingly subtle in appearance. OK, who are we kidding? This is WOW we’re talking about. You can’t miss the Joker, with its bright contrasting colors and acid-trip graphics. However, it’s not a case of a graphic designer run amok. On increasingly crowded waterways, the Joker is easy to spot from a distance and stands out in high contrast from the background.

The Joker featured the most interesting design of this year’s foursome. The bottom curves with considerable rocker for minimal drag and a rocking ride from side to side. Up top, a pair of arches run front to back connected by twin crossbars. WOW calls it the Power Tower. We call it a feature that gives the Joker plenty of options. With EVA foam deck pads on the main deck and grab handles at the ready both high and low, passengers can lie across the bottom or sit, kneel or stand. With the rock-and-roll bottom profile and raised tower, standing riders have great leverage over the tube as it skids back and forth across the wakes. Riders’ only real concern was possibly briefly tangling in the Power Tower should the tube flip, but it remained stable even in the rough waters we encountered.

Inflated, the Joker stretches the tape at 79-by-74-by-53 inches. WOW’s two-part speed valves offered easy inflation and deflation, but the Joker proved the longest to fill and empty due to the multiple bladders required by the rockered bottom and Power Tower. Tip: If you notice that a tower bladder is twisted, save yourself a headache and access it via the cover’s zippers to straighten before you fully inflate it.

Price: $599.99 Buy it now!

O’Brien Baller 3

With its couchlike design, the Baller 3 was tempting to chill on even before leaving the beach. Its 70-by-78-inch D-shaped bottom offers plenty of room to stretch the legs, and a plush backrest offers comfy support. Underway, however, this big comfy couch loves to rocket across the wake and into the flats. As it does, riders will appreciate that the backrest wraps around to the sides and keeps them from a premature slip into the drink.

The Baller features two unique tow points, one to tow the tube like a couch, and one that turns riders into a waterlogged Ben-Hur championing a chariot. Our three-person test crew noted how that split personality added to the fun, and it gave differing body parts a break in our wind-chopped test conditions. In both positions, O’Brien’s Softec nylon offers a softer feel than a traditional cover, eliminating chafe with a stitch-free finish topside and without added neoprene pads or EVA knuckle guards. The grab handles in the chariot position, however, could use additional padding. More than one test rider longed for a more comfortable grip after extended bouncy rides across the waves.

Like almost all O’Brien tubes that have debuted of late, the Baller features the brand’s proprietary Lightning valve, a wide-mouth design with a clever internal flap without loose parts that both fills and empties the internal bladders with—you guessed it—lightning speed. When packing the tube away, just push in the flap and the air gushes out of the bladder.

Price: $329.99

Read Next: How To Pick Up A Downed Waterskier, Wakesurfer, Wakeboard Rider or Tuber

Driving Do’s and Don’ts

Always use a dedicated spotter. Establish basic hand signals between riders and the spotter—faster, slower, stop—before leaving the dock.

Stay a considerable distance from objects like docks, pilings, bouys and other boats. Keep in mind that a tube can travel well outside your wake. As the driver, it’s your job to keep riders safe. Watch your speed. A mere 8 -mph is often enough for kids. For adults, 15 to 18 mph should be your target. 

Recklessly powering into a turn can accelerate an inflatable to dangerous speeds and increase the chance of injury. A gentle series of S-turns is typically all you need to send a tube back and forth across the wakes and out into the flats.

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Wakesurfing is undoubtedly cool, wakeboarding lets you experience the thrills of big air, and good old-fashioned water-skiing will forever be fun. But the most versatile towable remains the inflatable. Once made from literal tire tubes, which is how we still refer to them, today’s versions are more durable and maneuverable, and they amp up the thrill level far beyond the tubes of old. Yes, in the process some offerings have gotten a little, shall we say, unique. (Did we really see a four-passenger stand-up model that looks like a giant traffic cone?) But overall, inflatables have gotten a lot more fun—which, after all, is the point.

How do you choose the best inflatable for your friends and family in this sea of durable, maneuverable, thrilling—and occasionally downright weird—blow-up toys? We’d argue the answer is in the two-to-three-passenger range, where you can find an inflatable that still delivers a fun ride for nearly all ages and skill levels but doesn’t cost more than your monthly car payment—or require a dedicated storage closet just to stow it when not in use.

The five inflatables we rounded up for 2021 fit that description to perfection on paper. Here’s how they shook out on the water.

Radar Chase 3

Don’t let the laid-back, lounge-chair vibe of Radar’s Chase 3 fool you. Though this inflatable may look ready to chill, the Chase 3 can transform into one wild ride behind the boat, skipping across the wakes into a thrilling slide or, with the right wake, launching airborne for a little hang time. Credit the Spoon-O-Vation, Radar’s convex, spoonlike bottom surface that promises to reduce the drag of a conventional flat-bottom tube. Clip a GoPro action camera into the standard mount at the tube’s front edge, and you can capture share-worthy footage of every moment, whether it’s from a first-person point of view or aimed back at the crew enjoying the ride.

While our riders found the most fun in the lounge position, you can also ride the Chase 3 chariot-style. Rotate the tube 180 degrees and use the secondary tow hook, and occupants can ride the towable while kneeling like a waterborne Ben-Hur, holding on to a series of grab handles along the backrest. Whichever arrangement you choose, neoprene seat-padding covers and knuckle guards offer comfort and protect the tube cover from wear. Should you want to kick back on a slow cruise or just use the tube as a float, a pair of cup holders—yes, cup holders—are ready to keep refreshments close at hand.

The Chase 3 features a heavy-duty PVC bladder wrapped in a tough nylon cover to protect against abrasion. The tube’s primary deck, backrest and armrests inflate via a single two-part, screw-in Boston valve, which removes completely for quick deflation. The small, twin bolsters on the tube’s leading edge feature oral-inflation valves (in a pool-toy style). Though easily filled while using the right electric inflater adapter, they can prove a little more finicky to fill and cap without losing air. $379.99; radarskis.com

Connelly Daytona 2

Connelly suggests the Daytona 2 has a Mario Kart feel. We’re not big gamers, but we can certainly understand the reference. Two riders sit side by side on twin red and blue go-karts, with their feet straddling an inflated center column and their backs against an inflated backrest. Twin grab handles on that central column evoke a steering wheel. Below, the tube’s deck-style base is asphalt gray, with a checkered-flag graphic at the Daytona 2′s leading edge. There’s even a speedometer graphic, pegged at a “don’t try this at home” 90 mph. Go, Speed Racer, go!

While the seating arrangement suggests a race, it’s the tube’s flat bottom surface that makes the Daytona 2 a speedy ride, skidding easily in and out of the wakes. Riders did have some leverage to influence direction, but the boat driver has the most control, sending the Daytona on a series of S-turns. Riders initially feared that the seating position, combined with the relatively low position of the grab handles, had the potential to eject riders should those skids become a little too aggressive. But, ultimately, the Daytona 2 proved stable. Still, at 70-by-70 inches, it’s probably best enjoyed by the smaller riders in your pit crew.

Like all of the tubes we tested, the Daytona 2 comes preassembled with a heavy-duty internal PVC bladder wrapped in a durable nylon cover for protection. While the main deck easily fills and deflates via a two-part Boston valve, the central columns and backrests feature oral-inflation valves (think of a pool float), which didn’t always line up well with the corresponding openings in the cover as the bladders inflated. Soft EVA padding is stitched in place on each seat position to offer comfort and durability. Likewise, the fully padded handles are comfortable and backed with knuckle guards to prevent abrasion. When the race is finally done, excess water empties through covered mesh drains on the tube’s bottom edge. $259.99; connellyskis.com

WOW Big Shark

Insanely bright with its high-visibility mix of red, yellow, and the requisite mouthful of pearly white teeth, WOW’s Big Shark definitely won’t be creeping stealthily through the water to any ominous theme music. Instead, the first of two shark-themed models in this year’s roundup is almost impossible to miss. That’s the idea. Sure, those high-vis colors may catch attention on a crowded website catalog page, but they also stand out on increasingly crowded waterways, keeping the Shark—and its riders—more visible while underway.

A modern twist on the banana tubes of old, the 10-foot-9-inch-long Shark positions its two passengers in a line, riding atop this fish’s back bronco-style between dorsal and tail fins. EVA foam pads are stitched onto the heavy-duty nylon cover in each seating area for comfort and to prevent wear, but our riders would have preferred for the coverage to extend the length of their inner thighs. Smaller riders especially found the seating position to be too wide, with their skin susceptible to chafing over time against the exposed nylon. However, the padded, double-webbed grab handles with EVA foam knuckle guards placed in front of each rider offered secure, comfortable handholds.

Old-school banana tubes tend to roll, but WOW wisely added large wing-shaped side pontoons to increase the Shark’s stability, for boarding both at rest and while underway. The main body and wings easily inflate and deflate via two-part, plug-style speed valves. Like the bananas of old, the Shark tracked relatively straight within the boat’s wake. It resisted the driver’s attempts to make it skid via an S-turn, but offered a fun, enjoyable ride that should satisfy kids and adults alike. A suggestion? The molded, EZ Tow connector below the Shark’s chin keeps the bow from submarining when underway, but consider adding WOW’s Tow Boss rope system; its large, inflatable bobber at the midline will keep the towrope from getting caught in the water, greatly improving the ride. $279.99; wowwatersports.com

O’Brien Paradise 2

With an idyllic, photo-quality beachfront graphic and comparable name, O’Brien’s Paradise 2 sets the stage for a relaxing day on the water. The cover material even gets in on the action. Unlike the slightly rougher feel of heavy-duty nylon, O’Brien’s SoftTec Ultra fabric is soft to the touch with a neoprene feel, offering an additional level of comfort for bare knees and elbows while still maintaining abrasion resistance. Choosing to fashion the entire top deck of the Paradise 2 out of the material also eliminates add-on wear pads and knuckle guards, and their additional stitching.

Beyond the eye-catching graphic and cushy top surface, don’t expect much in the way of extra features. A classic deck-style inflatable doesn’t really need them. The Paradise 2′s open, 66-by-66-inch deck invites one or two riders to lie prone atop the surface, and six grab handles on the leading edge offer a variety of handholds. The tube’s low center of gravity offers exceptional stability with a fast, skid-happy feel. Riders can exert leverage and use body English to partially dictate the tube’s direction while the boat driver dramatically accelerates motion with the always versatile S-turn. Yes, the prone position doesn’t offer much in the way of shock absorption, but the deep inflatable bladder smoothed out rough water quite well and cushioned bodies during the occasional bounce.

The Paradise 2 features a 26-gauge internal bladder, with the bottom covered in durable, slippery nylon, topped off with that cushy SoftTec Ultra fabric. The tube’s grab handles are comfortably padded. Our favorite practical feature, however, has to be O’Brien’s Lightning Valve. A large valve opening paired with an internal one-way flap, it allows for lightning-quick inflation via a dedicated inflater or Shop-Vac. When the time comes to pack things away, simply push in that flap and the air within rushes out of the tube just as quickly, making the Paradise 2 the simplest of our candidates to prep and stow. $179.99; obrien.com

HO Shark

Forget that chilling Jaws theme. This Shark has got fun on its mind. Essentially a 64-by-75-inch deck-style inflatable interrupted by a cartoonlike head and tail fin, the Shark can accommodate one to three riders. A solo passenger can ride the tube seated with their legs straddling the head and their back resting against the tail; two passengers can lie prone on the broad, flat deck area to each side; or a trio can combine all three positions. Grab handles placed alongside the shark’s head and along the tube’s leading edge, combined with inflatable side bolsters to keep prone passengers from slipping off, ensure all feel secure while this Shark plies the waters.

Underway, our test crew found the Shark to be stable, and it liked to slide, a benefit of its flat bottom surface. Riders could exert a little body English to direct the tube’s motion, but it was the driver who could really send the tube in and out of the wakes with a few well-timed S-turns. Prone passengers took occasional spray to the face, but the only real complaint centered around a prone passenger’s elbows. The addition of neoprene wear pads would add comfort for bare skin.

The Shark features a heavy-duty PVC internal bladder covered in a tough nylon wrap for protection and to provide those bright colors and graphics. The quick-connect plastic tow connector attaches to the cover via a webbed strap. Soft, foam grab handles are covered in nylon for protection and feature soft knuckle guards below. Inflation of the main bladder is accomplished easily via a screw-in, two-part Boston valve tucked below a Velcro-equipped flap. The head, tail and side bolsters, however, inflate separately via oral-inflation valves, so plan to spend extra time and have the correct adapters on hand. $349.99; hosports.com

The Super Air Nautique G23

The Super Air Nautique G23 (nautique.com) is recognized as one of the premier wakesurfing boats around. Testers from our sister publication Wakeboarding say it produces a smooth, clean wave that is as symmetrical as it gets. Whether surfing or wakeboarding, you can customize the G23′s wake thanks to the Nautique Configurable Running Surface and the Nautique Surf System.

For surfing, the Configurable Running Surface works with the push of a button to help flatten lift for smoother starts out of the hole. It also increases displacement at surf speeds, and keeps a level running attitude while on plane. For improved close-quarters handling, opt for the Integrated Steering Assist, which adds a bow thruster to help maneuvering.

The Surf Switch, a handheld controller that the surfer can secure to his or her wrist with a lanyard, lets the surfer customize the shape and size of the wake in real time from behind the boat. Inside the boat, the plush interior seats up to 16 people in comfort and style.

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Let’s be honest. In terms of pure bang for the buck, it’s hard to beat your basic inflatable doughnut or disc. Updated versions of the inner tubes of old, they’re relatively inexpensive, fit a wide variety of rider sizes and weights, and can slingshot and skim across the water all day long. In short, they’re a blast.

That’s not to say they can’t get boring. After a while, all those solo rides can get lonely. The more riders, the merrier. And that shape? Who wants a simple doughnut when you can have something that’s wild and crazy, brings your friends along for the ride, and is sure to turn almost every head at the sandbar. That’s the kind of inflatables we rounded up for this year’s tubing extravaganza: slingshot speedsters, whirling dervishes, and even a pair of tubes shaped like a Mexican sombrero and Top Gun fighter jet.

It’s a brave new world out on the water. Join the party.

WOW Cyclone Spinner, $699.99

The minute they noted the word “spinner” in this tube’s name, riders knew they were in for an interesting experience. That’s because in addition to the normal slipping and sliding across the wakes that define any favorite inflatable, the Cyclone Spinner can actually spin. Yup, round and round—like a record, baby. A tow point on the bottom and at the center of the inflatable’s 88-inch diameter makes this possible. It rotates on stainless-steel ball bearings, clockwise or counterclockwise, depending on the Cyclone’s motion.

WOW has wisely chosen to offer riders some support to ensure they aren’t quickly flung once things get spintastic. A central cockpit with two cutout seating areas and high, supportive sidewalls provide security. There’s also plenty of room to stand. Padded grab handles with EVA knuckle guards are located topside to maintain a firm grip. Additional nylon web handles are placed to ease reboarding should riders get tossed. And get tossed they might. A lowered “hover” bottom below the cockpit area allows the Cyclone Spinner to ride on a smaller wetted surface when underway, as well as actually tilt from G-forces or riders’ weight placement.

Unlike a previous-generation spinning towable we tested years back, the Cyclone Spinner doesn’t rotate at warp speed. In a straight line, it can begin to gently spin once its riders’ weight is evenly balanced. Send the tube drifting outside the wake and spins get quicker, and not always in the same direction. As one test rider noted, the unpredictability of when the Cyclone would spin and in what direction was part of the fun. Just be careful with aggressive whips; the bottom shape and centered tow point can pull the tube up on end and eject passengers when speed increases. Should someone in your crew not care to get dizzy, a static tow point is also included.

Airhead Jet Fighter, $415.99

Though it sports a camouflage exterior, you can’t miss the Jet Fighter as it screams past on the water. With a sleek fuselage, vertical tail fin, and aggressive, swept-back wings, it looks every bit its namesake. Heck, the graphics even add details like rivets, wingtip missiles, some tongue-in-cheek identification numbers, and a fiery-red jet blast coming out the back. Yo Maverick, I feel the need for speed.

That unique jet-fighter shape not only looks cool but also makes possible a wide variety of rider positions. One or two riders can straddle the 8-foot-long fuselage, sitting tandem-style like on a classic banana tube while the wings add additional stability. Or add another pair of passengers atop those wings, lying prone while their feet dangle behind. The versatility makes the Jet Fighter fun for anyone, from a single passenger up to a group of four.

Underway, our trio of testers found it best with one person atop the fuselage while two balanced the load atop each wing. Riders weren’t able to really manipulate the Jet Fighter’s path, but some basic S-turns by the driver soon had them skidding in and out of the wake. Small, inflatable wingtip bolsters may seem like a style point, but they actually keep those wingtip riders from sliding off the edge. Multiple padded grab handles with neoprene knuckle guards keep everyone feeling secure. Just be ready to get some spray; riders low on the wings particularly noted a wet ride.

The wings, fuselage and bolsters all blow up individually via two-part Speed Safety valves. Pull the larger base plug when you’re done, and the tube rapidly deflates. For all but the small bolsters, flaps cover valves and stay put with hook-and-loop closures. A nylon quick-connect makes it simple to quickly and securely anchor the towline.

O’Brien Sombrero, $449.99

Every day can be Cinco de Mayo when you have the O’Brien Sombrero in your inflatable quiver. An 88-inch-diameter bright-yellow party hat, the Sombrero adds classic Mexican-style accents to reinforce its branding but avoids the random, scattershot graphics that seem to cover many inflatables. Riders can choose from a variety of positions. Sit on the Sombrero’s elevated perimeter brim facing inward, hang your feet over the brim and rest your back against the center crown, stand, kneel, face outward or in—the choices seemingly never end. Sixteen padded grab handles, backed by EVA knuckle guards, are spread around the center and perimeter to keep riders secure no matter their riding choice. The perimeter ring offers reinforced seat pads to prevent wear on the Sombrero’s nylon cover.

Such a large tube seemed like it would be a chore to inflate, but the reality was the opposite. O’Brien’s proprietary Lightning Valves let you put the end of a Shop-Vac or large-capacity inflater against the wide valve mouth and hit the power. The large volume of air rapidly inflates the tube, and a one-way flap closes off the air supply to keep things taut once finished. Deflation is just as simple; push in the valve flap, and air literally gushes out of the tube.

On the water, our test crew noted the Sombrero felt quite stable despite its higher center of gravity. Legroom wasn’t always ideal when seated facing inward, but weight shifts allowed a small amount of directional control. Again, however, it was mostly up to the driver, who could send the tube skidding outside the wake by initiating a series of S-turns at the wheel. Once loose, the round bottom slid nicely atop the water, and riders could lean against the central handles to increase the performance.

Radar Teacup, $379.99

One easily overlooked feature on Radar’s Teacup tells you a lot about the company’s understanding of its audience: a GoPro-style action-camera mount located front and center on the tube’s forward wall, just behind the tow point. Attach your favorite camera, press record, and you’ll get a unique, up-close-and-personal memory of just how much fun you and your friends are having. Who knows, upload it to YouTube, and your time on the Teacup might become the next viral sensation.

Surrounded by far more outlandish inflatable concepts, the Teacup seemed almost tame by comparison. The 79-by-92-inch loosely trapezoidal shape’s sunken interior is essentially one big playpen, with a generous surrounding bolster. Hop in, and you can stretch out and relax, with your legs extended and back well-supported by a raised backrest that wraps around riders on each end. Reinforced neoprene panels below each rider’s bottom provide comfort and prevent wear on the Teacup’s exterior nylon cover. Four padded grab handles within, along with one each on the left and right raised bolsters, provide plenty of security for the Teacup’s max limit of three passengers.

As you might expect, passengers once again had minimal influence over the Teacup’s direction. With its shape and seating position, this is more of a “sit down and enjoy the ride” scenario. But once the driver does his thing, mild quickly turns to wild as the Teacup easily skids back and forth across the wake in an aggressive manner. Choppy water and waves aren’t always the most fun due to the fact that you’re seated atop the floor with no way to absorb shock, which can make for a jolting ride at times. Remember to fully inflate the floor for best results. But once those skids start, the ride smooths significantly. The Teacup is also pretty fun to hang out in after the ride is over because it essentially doubles as a relaxing float.

Starcraft SVX 231

Watersports invite participation, not only by riders at the end of the towrope, but also family and friends taking it all in from the cockpit. Starcraft’s SVX 231 excels in this regard. Ample seating rings most of the perimeter, from parallel couches forward to the L-shaped bench that wraps the port side and beam. The cockpit’s depth provides a secure feel, especially with kids aboard. A swiveling passenger seat is perfect for a rear-facing spotter. As the captain, just be conscious of bow rise; the gentler acceleration required for an inflatable can cause a few seconds of limited visibility forward.

Riders were able to gear up on a large bench facing the swim platform, making use of the generously sized main platform, as well as twin extensions that flanked the motor. A four-step ladder to starboard eased riders in and out of water in between runs. Suggestions? Opt for the extended tow pylon to elevate the towrope over the motor. That rope might occasionally snag, requiring an assist from a passenger, but a pylon eliminates the need for a tow bridle and provides a better, more consistent pull.  

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To say our crew pumped up the volume is putting it ­mildly. There was the excited this-thing-is-awesome shriek, the slightly terror-filled am-I-about-to-get-flung squeal, and the ­ever-present “Do it again! Do it again!” shout that accompanied every adrenaline-packed skid. Each and every inflatable elicited just about each and every reaction, meaning in the end the only real conclusion we could reach was this: When it comes to good old-fashioned on-the-water fun, inflatables just may offer the best bang for the buck for boat-owning watersports enthusiasts.

Ready to get your scream on? Here are five of our favorite high-SPM rides that we towed behind a Supreme S238.

Airhead Griffin III ($320)

Like its mythical namesake, Airhead’s Griffin III sports wings, or in this case upwardly curved ends that give this speedy inflatable a dose of side-to-side rocker. The shape has multiple benefits. For starters, it puts less of the tube in the water, reducing resistance and increasing the ease with which the ­Griffin whips in and out of the wake with only a subtle S-turn from the boat driver. The curved ends also allowed the riders to roll the tube more easily into turns with the appropriate lean. Last, the shape adds a welcome dose of security to riders. There’s less of a feel that the tube may dig in or flip as it skids up and over the wakes because the wings better match the curvature of the water.

The Griffin III measures in at 5 feet 10 inches by 7 feet 6 inches, giving passengers ample room to lie side by side on their stomachs. EVA pads are placed toward the tail to offer protection to the knees, with flanking nylon web straps to ease boarding in deep water after a spill. Six double-web handles are arrayed across the tube’s leading edge, with similar EVA knuckle guards to prevent scrapes. With no extraneous parts, inflation is quick and simple via a single ­Airhead Speed Safety valve, covered by a zippered port when not in use.

Though undoubtedly fun, our testers did notice a minor drawback in rougher conditions. Because the Griffin tows quite level in the water, spray occasionally hits riders right in the face. On a hot day, however, that’s all part of the fun.

Sportsstuff Rock n’ Tow 2 ($360)

Picture a rocking chair mated with a doublewide La-Z-Boy recliner, then inflated with air and you have a pretty good image of Sportsstuff’s Rock N’ Tow 2, a wild inflatable that allows passengers to lie back and recline rather than lie prone on their stomachs, providing a change of pace. Essentially one big 7-foot-by-5-foot-4-inch L-shaped air mattress, the Rock N’ Tow’s surface angles upward about two-thirds of the way back to provide lounge-style back support. Inflatable dividers serve not so much as armrests but to secure and separate riders. Each features double-web foam handles for passengers to hang on, with knuckle guards below to prevent abrasion to both skin and the tube’s cover. EVA foam pads likewise cushion and prevent abrasion below each seat.

The Rock N’ Tow’s pronounced rocker, or that tip-to-tail curvature, gives this tube a playful personality right from the start, because the front can lift and the back dips whenever tension eases on and off the towrope. Underway, that rocker also greatly reduces this inflatable’s wetted surface, meaning there’s less water resistance than would be found on a simple flat tube. Even a gentle whip from the boat driver sent the Rock N’ Tow accelerating rapidly out into the flats, often skidding on only a fraction of the tube’s base.

Our testers gave the Rock N’ Tow an enthusiastic thumbs up, noting that the mild unpredictability of the rocking added to the excitement of the ride. The curve, they noted, also seemed perfectly placed, ready to rock riders back but recover just in time to avoid a spill — and another scream.

Radar Liftoff ($220)

Much of the Liftoff’s appeal may be found in its simplicity. With so many inflatables going over the top in terms of extras, the Liftoff sticks to the basics. It’s essentially a 6-foot- 2-inch-by-6-foot-2-inch filled-in doughnut, devoid of any angles and lacking the multiple extras that so many manufacturers seem intent on adding to the mix. Even the colors and graphics were the simplest of the bunch. Rather than eyeball-searing colors and wacky words and pictures, the cover offers screened images of, wait for it, pineapples on a solid-color background to boot. The only real tweaks to the simple shape are a squared-off tail (Radar notes it provides better stability in rough water and when being whipped outside the wake) and an inflatable wedge on both the left and right side that offered a welcome dose of security to our passengers. Testers noted the placement of the latter was especially beneficial for the legs to keep them from flying off the surface when aggressively sliding.

Though seemingly simple, our test crew found the Liftoff could also be big fun. Yes, its flat profile could occasionally result in the unpleasant splash to the eyeballs, but the inflatable’s versatility could please both timid and aggressive riders. The former could enjoy its stability; the latter could use body English to easily accelerate and maneuver the tube across the water.

Rather than individual sewn-in pads to provide rider comfort and protect against abrasion, the Liftoff features Radar’s marshmallow soft top, a foam-backed neoprene that covers the entire top surface of the tube. Our test crew found it ultra-comfortable, noting that the nylon of other models could occasionally chafe.

WOW Big Ducky ($330)

If our youngest teens (or response to Boating’s social media posts) are a reliable indication, Wow has a big hit on its hands with one very big yellow duck. As the name implies, the Big Ducky’s unexpected highlight is a good old-fashioned, bright-yellow rubber duck, although this rubber ducky is far from the bathtub toy you may have played with as a kid. Instead, it’s large enough for an adult to ride on and anchored to an inflated platform that can add two additional riders lying on their stomachs. The duck wrangler gets the best seat in the house, enjoying a sculpted, padded EVA foam perch between the duck’s head and tail. ­Double-web foam handholds await on each side of the duck’s face. An additional handhold is offered behind the head. Prone riders also get small inflated side bumpers to help secure them in place.

While at first glance the Big Ducky seemed like it may actually offer the tamest ride of the inflatables on hand, on the water it became one surprisingly fun fowl. Kids chalked it up to the inflatable’s smooth skim across flat water in the corners, its unexpected launch off the wake and, thanks to an extra-deep base platform, the absence of spray for riders closest to the water. Mostly they loved the novelty factor of being able to ride atop one giant yellow bucking bronc… er, duck. Yes, with a duck hogging a fair chunk of real estate, outer passengers can feel a tad cramped at times, but that just made time in the saddle all the more special.

That monster-size duck also paid practical benefits on the water because the Big Ducky was by far the easiest towable to see for other boaters.

O’Brien Challenger 3 ($350)

The Challenger 3 is part of O’Brien’s cockpit series, so named because of the tublike design that recesses riders within an inflated perimeter collar much like the cockpit of an old-school rubber raft. That raft, however, never offered this much fun — or comfort. Check out the Challenger’s cushy inflated backrest. Extending the entire back half of the tube and wrapping around outer passenger’s shoulders, it offers the back support that makes extended rides more enjoyable. Below, that cockpit floor is inflated for additional comfort as well as to cushion the jolts from wake encounters. Six padded grab handles (with EVA knuckle guards, of course) keep riders confident they’ll stay aboard should things get a little wild.

That recessed profile and surrounding collar, however, guarantee even those wilder rides never get too intimidating. Our pair of 10-year-old testers noted the Challenger offered a sense of security unmatched by the other designs in our test, allowing them to kick back and relax as the flat-bottomed tube skidded outside the wake into the flats. Even the family dog hopped aboard for a pass. The seated positioning, however, does limit rider control of where the tube heads. Count on the driver to provide some turns to direct the tube out and over the wakes.

Though relatively large in size, the Challenger inflated — and deflated — speedy fast thanks to O’Brien’s proprietary Lightning Valves. The extra-large opening eliminates the need for adapters that choke air flow and allows for rapid inflation with either an electric inflater or your basic shop vacuum. Deflation is even faster because the valve’s sizable air-retention flap flips inward to rapidly evacuate the tube’s contents.

What to Look For

Inflatables have come a long way since Grandpa’s big black inner tube, with its unwieldy dagger of a valve stem. Today’s inflatables offer complex shapes, durable exterior covers in eye-popping colors, and hidden valves that promise lightning-fast inflation and deflation. Here’s what to look for.

Nylon Cover
Heavy-duty nylon covers with double-stitched seams protect the more delicate internal bladder from damage and punctures. In addition, covers improve performance by smoothing the inflatable’s surface, serve as a mounting point for grab handles and sewn-in reinforcements, and act as the canvas for bright colors and high-visibility graphics.

Heavy-Duty PVC Bladder
The core of the modern inflatable is the heavy-duty PVC bladder that gives the tube its shape, softens the ride, and even provides better handling characteristics.

Grab Handles/Rider Pads
Better tubes offer rounded, padded grab handles constructed with double webbing for a comfortable, secure handhold. Look for neoprene or EVA pads below the handles, both to prevent knuckles from scraping against the nylon and the nylon from extended wear. Those same neoprene or EVA pads should be featured below a rider’s seat and in other high-wear areas.

High-Speed Inflation Valves
Styles vary, but the common theme is rapid inflation via one-way valves that don’t allow air to escape during inflation, and the ability to open or remove that valve to rapidly deflate the tube when it’s time to be packed away. Valves should be located below flaps and closed with zippers or hook-and-loop fasteners to avoid scraping passengers and maintain the inflatable’s sleek appearance.

Self-Bailing Drain Vents
Water inevitably makes it between the bladder and nylon cover, meaning drain vents — typically made from mesh and protected below a stitched-on flap — are essential. Most are located at the tube’s rearmost edge, allowing the inflatable to naturally drain when stood upright.

Molded Tow Connector
Molded nylon tow hooks allow for quick attachment and removal of the towrope. Hooks should be attached to webbed strapping sewn to the cover with reinforced stitching.

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With a marshmallow top for extra comfort and a tapered design that makes it easier to board from the water, the Afterburner makes it easy to have fun. The side bolsters give riders leverage while in turns, and there are plenty of handle options for hanging on.

radarskis.com

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The Playfield is just that, a rigid float designed for all sorts of on-water fun. Use it however you see fit; the durable drop-stitch construction can handle it. Easy to set up, take down and transport; 18-foot also available.

obrien.com

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With a unique design and 24 soft webbing handles, the Apex can be ridden by up to three riders in countless ways. The Softec top deck ensures a comfortable ride, while the quick-connect tow hook makes it easy to attach the rope.

obrien.com

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The Prism brings back the shape and fun of the classic discs with modern technology and construction. Hold the handle yourself or use the integrated hook — the riding options are endless, and the Prism can be fun for the whole family.

connellyskis.com

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With its angled wings, the Griffin II can roll up on edge through turns and shifts in weight, bringing a whole new element of fun when riding on the water. Oversize EVA pads ensure a comfortable ride for your knees.

airhead.com

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